Promise
The rest of the week goes by without a major incident. The only problem was that it snowed during the full moon, not allowing my pendant to charge further.
When we arrive at Serenity, the location for our quest, it is shortly before noon so I’m still in my draconic form and can’t see anything. But I can hear the sounds of loud plinking on metal and many people yelling directions at each other. There is a strong smell of steel and coal in the air that makes it hard to breathe.
Cough cough
Scarlet puts a clot in front of my face, “Try not to take too many big breaths, Rose. We’ll be through the industrial district soon.”
I nod.
We then go further into the city where the air slightly gets better but not by much. After a bit more time, we get to an inn where we have lunch and I take a nap.
When I wake up again, I find myself in a bed next to Scarlet.
Rayla, John and Sher Aka seem to be looking at a town map.
“Good morning, Rose.”
“Yeah, yawn to you as well, manya. So, what’s the plan for today?”
“We don’t know yet. Sherry just got us the map, we’re currently trying to familiarize ourselves with the town. It seems to be completely owned by the Tennison Steel Corporation. Everyone in this town either works with the company or is the family of someone that does. It will be a bit hard to go around without being suspicious. Currently we’re thinking of waiting until evening then go visit the one that reported the slavers to the guild.”
Sher Aka adds, “Chances are that if slavers really do operate here, the company is in on it. Or at least a part of the company. Perhaps they’re using them secretly as cheap labor, it would be hard to spot them in a town full of workers. Even the guards are funded by the company. This is essentially a town working outside the laws of the NU, we need to be careful not to attract too much attention.”
Ane nods, “Right…Then let’s stay low until then. Oki, try to nap a little longer if you can. We'll be leaving in five hours. Also keep your mask here. I don't want us to seem suspicious.”
“Alright.”
We pass the next five hours with training, napping, prepping and planning until we leave at eight pm. Despite it being late, the town still seems busy and the forges are still burning.
Looking at the street number, Ane says, “This looks like the place.”
Knock Knock
There is some shuffling behind the door before a woman opens it, she has both human and wolf ears and a short tail, “Hello, how can I help you?”
“Hi there, does someone named Chris Clarkson live here?”
“Yes, he’s my husband. Should I call him?”
“Yes, that would be great, thank you.”
“Chris! There are some people here to see you.”
A muscly man with long elf-like ears and some Orcish features like a pig nose and only four fingers appears, carrying a coughing baby in his arms, “How can I help you?”
“Mr. Clarkson, we’re from the guild, may we come in?”
“Shit, so you really came huh?” Handing over the baby to his wife he says, “Come in, close the door behind you.”
We follow him inside to a small and modest living room, “Please sit down, I can’t offer you any drinks but if you want water just say so.”
After we sit down, Sher Aka speaks up, “We’re here because we’d like more information about the slave merchants you reported. Could you tell us where they are or where you’ve last seen them?”
He seems uncomfortable, “Well, I’ve never actually seen the merchants but it is an open secret that there is a black squad of slaves being employed. I’m also pretty sure that it’s been getting bigger.”
“Have you actually seen them or is it just a rumor?”
“I’ve seen them. They always show up a little late and leave a little early. They never take any breaks during the twelve hour shift and if they pass out some guys in full protective gear carry them away. But they’re not always where I work. I think they rotate.”
“I see…How do you know they’re slaves and not just exploited workers?”
“They have a slave crest on the back of their neck. Sometimes it’s covered up by their collars or hair but they all have it.”
“Do you have any idea where they come from or where they go when they leave?”
“No, like I said they always arrive a little late and leave a little early. I have no idea where they’re going or coming from and it’s too dangerous for me to find out.”
“I understand, it’s not your job to put yourself in danger but do you think it would be possible for us to go undercover at your job? That way we could investigate the issue without gaining any attention.”
“Hmm…” He points at me, “I can get him in but the rest of you would garner too much attention.”
“Huh? Why only me?”
“Because you look like you work here, you’d blend in perfectly. If we give you a uniform no one will look twice at you. The rest of your party are too pretty looking and stand out. Are you good around heat?”
“Yeah.”
“Then I’ll sign you up for work tomorrow.”
“I’m against this,” Scarlet says firmly, “It’s too dangerous.”
Rayla nods, “I agree, we can’t let Thoma go in there alone.”
Sher Aka answers, “I admit it’s risky but he’s not going to do anything too dangerous. He’ll just work there while we stay on stand-by. He can tell us about them arriving during lunch break so we know when to tail them.”
John adds, “He is also really good with heat so the work shouldn’t be too tough on him.”
“Still we can’t just leave he-him alone there! Sh-He is my brother and I can’t allow this, at least not alone. Let me go with…Him.”
Mr. Clarkson interjects, “That won’t be possible. But you can visit him during breaks. It’s not abnormal for family members to come visit during breaks and deliver food and water.”
“How many breaks are there?”
“Three. First one is three hours in and lasts thirty minutes. Second one is at two p.m. and lasts an hour, the third is at 4:30 p.m. and lasts fifteen minutes.”
Nudging her, Sher Aka says, “You two can visit Thoma Ahad three times a day then. That should be enough right? Don’t forget there are multiple lives at stake.”
Rayla interjects, “That might be true Sher Aka but we can’t value the lives of others over our own. We’re adventurers not heroes. And the fact remains that it’s very risky. I’m not just saying this because it’s about oki either. I’d say the same if someone suggested putting your life in danger.”
“Still…Rayla, there are multiple people in slavery. I want to help.”
“Uhum,” John interrupts, “ So, I think all of you are right in some ways but aren’t you forgetting to ask Thoma Ahad about what he wants? What do you want Thoma Ahad? It’s a risky job, you might put your life in danger.”
“I…I want to help. I know it’s dangerous but so is every job we go on. And even if I were to die I’d rather do it trying to help people than any other way.”
Scarlet in a firm tone answers, “If you’re even going to entertain the idea of your death being a possibility in this I’m not letting you go.”
“Please manya, I just want to help.”
“If you want to do that, then promise me you won’t put your life at risk. And not some wishy-washy Human promise, I want you to make a promise befitting your family and status.”
“Alright. Manya, I promise you I won’t put my life at risk for this mission.”
“Hmph…Five days, no matter what, you won’t work a second longer than five work days.”
“Alright.”
“Also, if I or Rayla deem you unfit to continue during our visits you’ll stop early.”
“Okay.”
Mr. Clarkson then offers me a handshake, “Alright, seems like it’s settled. I’ll see you tomorrow at 5:30 a.m. Thoma Ahad.”